Whistleblowing: Tackling issues in the fire and rescue services

A report published in March 2023 by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), said there was evidence of widespread harassment, discrimination and bullying in fire and rescue services across England. 
  
In around a quarter of the 44 fire services, HMICFRS found complaints of sexist, racist and homophobic behaviour, often excused as ‘banter’. People described how they were scared to make a complaint because of the fear of repercussions.  
 
Several fire and rescue services (FRS) have been placed in special measures by the Inspectorate to make improvements.
 
The findings of this report and recent serious incidents illustrate the importance of being able to speak up or whistleblow without any fear of repercussions, which can sometimes be lifesaving.
 
Crimestoppers offers a bespoke service for all Fire and Rescue Services, the FRS Speak Up Service. This enables anyone within services that are part of the scheme to report either anonymously or confidentially, anything within the workplace that just isn’t ok.

We are delighted to be working with fifteen FRS currently to provide this important service. 

Our charity believes that people need to have a trusted way to speak up about anything that isn’t ok, or to raise the alarm about bad behaviour. We have decades of experience running Speak up and whistleblowing services. Find out more.